Observer States

Council of Europe publishes Magna Carta of judges (Fundamental principles)

Strasbourg, 18.11.2010 – The Consultative Council of European Judges (CCJE) of the Council of Europe today adopted the Magna Carta of Judges (Fundamental principles), summarising and codifying the main conclusions of the Opinions already adopted.

This Magna Carta of judges highlights all the fundamental principles relating to judges and judicial systems. It reiterates inter alia the fundamental criteria of the rule of law, the independence of the judiciary, access to justice, and the principles of ethics and responsibility in a national and international context.

The representatives of member states within the CCJE will ensure that it is disseminated and applied in their countries.

The Magna Carta of judges is being officially published at the occasion of the CCJE's 10th anniversary.

The Secretariat of the Council of Europe draws attention to the fact that, in November 2009, the CCJE was awarded the “Justice in the World” Prize by the Justice in the World Foundation (under the auspices of the International Association of Judges) for the excellent quality of its work and the commitment of its members.